A fire outbreak has destroyed one of the trains forming part of an installation at Red Clay Studio the arts and cultural space founded by renowned Ghanaian contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Mahama disclosed that the incident occurred on February 17, 2026, in the evening, describing it as a “tragic misfortune.” According to him, the blaze was triggered by sparks from ongoing repair works on the train.
“Yesterday night we had a tragic misfortune of losing one of our trains to fire due to sparks from ongoing repairs. Certainly, I am sure if a lot more care had been taken this could have been prevented,” he wrote.
Mahama explained that the affected train was one of the most difficult pieces to acquire, having spent nearly two years securing it. It was also the last in line for body repairs because of the extensive rust it had accumulated over the years.
Despite the scale of the damage, no injuries were recorded. The artist expressed gratitude that lives were spared, even as he acknowledged the emotional toll of the loss.
“No one was injured thankfully. Our hearts may be broken but our spirits are as high as ever,” he stated.
He further extended appreciation to the Ghana National Fire Service for their swift response, as well as members of the surrounding community for their support during the emergency.
Mahama also used the opportunity to caution the public about heightened fire risks during the dry season, urging vigilance to prevent similar incidents.
Red Clay Studio has become a significant hub for contemporary art practice and community engagement in northern Ghana, with Mahama widely recognised for his large-scale installations and industrial-themed works.
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